I can’t think of a better cozy dish than baked apples when autumn rolls around. Imagine curling up on the couch with the warmth of the season wafting through the air, a slice of warm baked apple in hand, and perhaps a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. There’s something magical about the combination of sweetness and spices—maybe it’s that quintessential comfort that makes this dish a go-to at family gatherings. I’ve tweaked a classic baked apple idea into a slow cooker dream, making it not just easy but downright enjoyable.
Baked apples might bring back memories of Grandma’s kitchen, where spices danced in the air and the sweet scent pulled you in before you even stepped through the door. This slow cooker version allows you to enjoy that comfort food without fussing over the oven or timings. Life gets busy, and if there’s a way to fill your home with those inviting aromas while you’re out and about, it’s through a handy slow cooker. Trust me, this recipe is as rewarding as it is simple!
Spanish Almond Cake Tarta De Santiago
This dish is essentially whole or sliced apples sprinkled with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a bit of sugar, cooked slowly until they become tender and flavorful. The slow cooker infuses the apples with a sweet, spiced essence, allowing them to melt in your mouth while keeping all the juices intact. It’s a perfect dessert that combines healthy ingredients with rich flavors, making for an indulgence you don’t have to feel guilty about!
The beauty of this baked apple slow cooker recipe lies in the cooking method. Slow cooking allows the apples to stew in their lovely juices while melding with the sugar and spices. The result? Apples that are tender, perfectly sweet, and bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s a low-effort recipe that rewards you greatly after a long day.
- 3 pounds of assorted apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work beautifully)
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark, tightly packed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for an extra depth of flavor)
- ¼ cup pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped (optional for crunch)
Let’s dive into the simple steps of creating this sweet delight. You’ll be amazed at how little effort is needed to achieve such lovely results when you think of the time spent peeling, cutting, and mixing.
Start by washing the apples thoroughly. Give them a good rinse under cold water. Next, core the apples to remove the seeds and stem but leave the skins on for added texture and flavor. In a surprising twist, I like to slice the apples into thick wedges. This way, instead of turning to mush, they maintain a delightful consistency throughout the cooking process.
Once your apples are prepped, add them right into the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker. Now it’s time to sweeten and spice things up! In a mixing bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and chopped nuts if you’re using them. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples evenly. The sugars will blend nicely with the natural juices of the apples as they cook.
Cut the butter into small slices and distribute them on top of the apple mixture. They’ll melt and help create a luscious sauce that's simply divine.
Cover the slow cooker and set to LOW. Here’s the trick: leave the lid slightly ajar to let some moisture escape. This allows the apples to concentrate in flavor, making them even more irresistible as they cook. Let them simmer for about 6 hours. I recommend stirring the mixture halfway through so that all the apples are equally coated with that delicious sugary goodness.
Once the cooking time is up, and your home is filled with a delectable aroma, it’s time to serve. I love to scoop the warm apples into bowls and drizzle them with the fantastic juices. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream doesn’t hurt either!
- Choose the Right Apples: A mix of tart and sweet apples gives the best flavor. I love combining Granny Smith with Honeycrisp.
- Don’t Skip the Nuts: Adding nuts not only gives a nice crunch but also brings some healthy fats to the dish.
- Serve Warm: These baked apples are best enjoyed warm; they truly shine when served right from the slow cooker.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add a pinch of ginger or cloves for a unique twist on flavors.
- Add a Splash of Citrus: A squeeze of lemon juice or zest can brighten the overall taste; just a little goes a long way!
If you find yourself with leftovers—which, let's be honest, is hard to imagine—let them cool completely and transfer them to an airtight container. This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 days. You can reheat the apples in a microwave or back in the slow cooker on warm!
Each serving of this baked apple recipe is approximately 180 calories and fits nicely into a balanced diet. The apples provide dietary fiber and are loaded with antioxidants, while the sugars are naturally occurring and minimal. Just remember to enjoy in moderation!
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that transforms baked apples into an indulgent bowl of delight.
- Whipped Cream: A light, fluffy topping that adds a delightful richness.
- Oatmeal: Serve the warm apples over a bowl of oatmeal for a nutritious breakfast.
- Greek Yogurt: The tang of yogurt complements the sweetness of the apples beautifully.
- Pancakes: Top your pancakes with these luscious apples for a breakfast twist.
- Apples: Pears or peaches can fill in for apples, providing a different flavor profile.
- Granulated Sugar: Honey or maple syrup can be used, adjusting the quantity based on sweetness desired.
- Butter: For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or dairy-free margarine.
- Ground Cinnamon: Apple pie spice is a fantastic alternative that includes cinnamon plus other warm spices.
- Brown Sugar: If you don’t have brown sugar, mix granulated sugar with molasses to mimic its sweetness and moisture.
Whipping up this baked apple slow cooker recipe is not just about creating a dessert; it’s an experience—one that invites family and friends to gather, share, and, above all, enjoy. So, set your slow cooker, kick back, and wait for those delightful smells to fill your home. Your kitchen will soon become the place where everyone wants to be, ready with spoons in hand for a taste of fall-inspired deliciousness! Time to indulge!
Baked apples might bring back memories of Grandma’s kitchen, where spices danced in the air and the sweet scent pulled you in before you even stepped through the door. This slow cooker version allows you to enjoy that comfort food without fussing over the oven or timings. Life gets busy, and if there’s a way to fill your home with those inviting aromas while you’re out and about, it’s through a handy slow cooker. Trust me, this recipe is as rewarding as it is simple!
- Choose the Right Apples: A mix of tart and sweet apples gives the best flavor. I love combining Granny Smith with Honeycrisp.
- Don’t Skip the Nuts: Adding nuts not only gives a nice crunch but also brings some healthy fats to the dish.
- Serve Warm: These baked apples are best enjoyed warm; they truly shine when served right from the slow cooker.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add a pinch of ginger or cloves for a unique twist on flavors.
- Add a Splash of Citrus: A squeeze of lemon juice or zest can brighten the overall taste; just a little goes a long way!
Mary Siegel is a registered dietitian from Texas and the heart behind Easy Meal Recipe, a blog dedicated to making healthy cooking simple and enjoyable. With a background in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Houston, she shares easy, flavorful recipes designed for busy lives. Growing up surrounded by family and food, she now blends her love of comfort food with a focus on balanced nutrition. Outside the kitchen, Mary loves exploring farmers' markets and spending time with her family in the Texas outdoors.